Diabetes Resources Coordination Center (DRCC)

In Cumberland Country, New Jersey, a man is screened for type 2 diabetes at the Diabetes Alert Day event hosted by the DRCC

Overview

Diabetes affects 596,000 adults and children in New Jersey and many do not know they have it. Type 2 diabetes is a growing epidemic with 86 million Americans estimated to be pre-diabetic, determining one’s risk of diabetes is more important than ever.

The Diabetes Resources Coordination Center (DRCC), funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through the New Jersey Department of Health works to promote Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) and Diabetes Prevention Programs (DPPs), and increase access to, referrals for, and use of both types of diabetes resources. The DRCC accomplishes these objectives by implementing health communications, provider engagement, and community awareness activities that link healthcare organizations, patients, and diabetes programs.

After completing a successful first year in Cumberland County, New Jersey, the DRCC received a second year of funding and will be expanding its coverage to include Salem and Gloucester counties in Southern New Jersey.

Key Activities

DSME helps people with diabetes by teaching them effective self-management and coping skills, while DPPs assist individuals to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Research shows that increased diabetes education has led to improved diabetes knowledge, self-care behavior, quality of life, and clinical outcomes, such as lower A1C and self-reported weight.

A webinar series was hosted to provide healthcare providers with an overview of the American Diabetes Association-recognized and American Association of Diabetes Educators-accredited Diabetes Self-Management programs and CDC-recognized Diabetes Prevention Programs currently available in the county.

This webinar provides an overview of the American Diabetes Association-recognized and American Association of Diabetes Educators-accredited Diabetes Self-Management programs and the CDC-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program currently available in Cumberland County.